Press Release

CDC Removes Hong Kong from Bird Ban

As of March 10, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has
removed Hong Kong from the jurisdictions included in an importation ban on
birds and bird products. The decision to remove Hong Kong is based on its
documented public health measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza A
(H5N1) and the lack of avian flu cases in Hong Kongs domestic and wild bird
populations.

The ban remains in effect for the following countries: Cambodia,
Indonesia, Japan, Laos, the Peoples Republic of China, South Korea,
Thailand and Vietnam. It excludes bird products processed to render them
noninfectious and pet or performing birds of U.S. origin returning to the
United States from Southeast Asia. Other disease control measures imposed by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including a 30-day quarantine for pet
birds, will remain in place as directed by USDA.

The Department of Health and Human Services and USDA instituted the
importation ban on Feb. 4 as outbreaks of avian flu spread in Southeast
Asia. The measure is designed to protect poultry and humans in the United
States from the possible spread of avian influenza H5N1, which is
responsible for the deaths of millions of birds and at least 22 humans in
Asia.

Hong Kong authorities reported a single case of avian influenza in a
peregrine falcon in mid-January. Continued surveillance in Hong Kong has
detected no additional cases of avian flu H5N1, according to the Hong Kong
Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food. In addition, since Jan. 30, Hong
Kong has suspended importation of live birds from countries affected by the
outbreak. Authorities there have also has imposed a vaccination, inspection
and surveillance program for poultry farms, live poultry markets and pet
bird dealers; implemented measures to prevent the spread of the virus
through human traffic across the border; and required local poultry farms to
implement strict biosecurity programs.

The ban will be reviewed and may be further amended as the situation
continues to develop.

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